From the Orange County Newsroom
A quiet overnight shift near Apopka turned into a life-or-death rescue earlier this month when two security guards sprang into action after a fiery crash just outside the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility on McCormick Road.
It happened just after 1 a.m. last week when a driver lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a tree near the facility’s entrance, only a few miles north of Apopka. The impact ignited the car, quickly turning it into a fireball. Security guard Alejandro Aguilar rushed to the driver’s aid and pulled him from the burning wreckage, moments before the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.
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Meanwhile, fellow guard Jacob Schaechter immediately called 9-1-1 and guided first responders to the scene. Firefighters and law enforcement arrived within minutes, extinguishing the blaze and securing the area. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and no additional injuries were reported.
The security guards' quick, coordinated actions likely prevented a fatal outcome. Orange County Utilities credited their swift response as critical to saving the man’s life. The two guards work for Allied Universal Security, a longtime partner tasked with protecting the county’s water and wastewater facilities around the clock.
The Northwest Water Reclamation Facility plays a vital role in Orange County’s infrastructure and is located near Apopka, serving thousands of residents daily. The security team is stationed there 24/7, ensuring the facility and surrounding area remain secure.
County officials acknowledged the incident as an example of decisive action under pressure. Their rapid response not only saved a life but also kept a dangerous situation from escalating.
What began as a routine overnight shift near Apopka ended with a dramatic rescue — a reminder of the critical role security personnel can play in emergencies.
